Powershell XML Execute Command

SIGMA detection rule by frack113 · NOASSERTION

Adversaries may abuse PowerShell commands and scripts for execution. PowerShell is a powerful interactive command-line interface and scripting environment included in the Windows operating system. (Citation: TechNet PowerShell) Adversaries can use PowerShell to perform a number of actions, including discovery of information and execution of code

title: Powershell XML Execute Command
id: 6c6c6282-7671-4fe9-a0ce-a2dcebdc342b
status: test
description: |
    Adversaries may abuse PowerShell commands and scripts for execution.
    PowerShell is a powerful interactive command-line interface and scripting environment included in the Windows operating system. (Citation: TechNet PowerShell)
    Adversaries can use PowerShell to perform a number of actions, including discovery of information and execution of code
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1059.001/T1059.001.md#atomic-test-8---powershell-xml-requests
author: frack113
date: 2022-01-19
modified: 2023-01-19
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059.001
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: ps_script
    definition: 'Requirements: Script Block Logging must be enabled'
detection:
    selection_xml:
        ScriptBlockText|contains|all:
            - 'New-Object'
            - 'System.Xml.XmlDocument'
            - '.Load'
    selection_exec:
        ScriptBlockText|contains:
            - 'IEX '
            - 'Invoke-Expression '
            - 'Invoke-Command '
            - 'ICM -'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administrative script
level: medium

[[ currentRule.title && currentRule.title.length > 60 ? currentRule.title.slice(0, 60) + '…' : currentRule.title ]]

f5aad08f-a88e-4672-aa6a-ce5cf0fb320f

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Executable code, not a declarative rule

This submission is arbitrary [[ currentRule.format ? currentRule.format.toUpperCase() : '' ]] code, not a declarative detection rule — review it as you would any script before running it, and note that it cannot be safely aggregated or auto-executed alongside YARA/Sigma/Suricata/CRS rules.

Rejected pattern present

[[ reason ]]

What does this mean?

Format & documentation suggestions

Not a security issue — this rule is valid and was accepted as-is. These are optional fields/conventions its own format recommends, mainly affecting its quality score and how well it documents itself for other reviewers.

[[ reason ]]

What do these messages mean?

[[ currentRule.title && currentRule.title.length > 60 ? currentRule.title.slice(0, 60) + '…' : currentRule.title ]]

[[ currentRule.title ]]

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